Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County Board of Education At-Large

2 candidates are tracked for Gaston County Board of Education At-Large on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Brenda Eskridge and Dot Cherry. Candidate information follows official Gaston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Board of Education races became partisan starting with this cycle, following a 2025 state law change. Dot Cherry (Republican) is the incumbent Vice Chairman seeking re-election, per the district's official board page. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

What this office does

School board member. The school board is the governing body of a public school district. It hires and evaluates the superintendent, adopts the district budget, sets policies on curriculum, discipline, attendance boundaries and facilities, and approves contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Day-to-day operations belong to the superintendent; the board sets direction and holds the administration accountable.

This race. The sitting officeholder, Dot Cherry, is on the ballot.

North Carolina › Gaston County › Gaston County Board of Education At-Large

Brenda Eskridge

Democratic

Top priorities

Teacher retention through competitive pay
Equitable resource allocation across schools and expanded mental health services

Per the Future Education Magazine.

Biography

Brenda Eskridge appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Gaston County Board of Education At-Large, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Brenda Eskridge.

Dot Cherry

Republican Incumbent

Biography

Dot Cherry is the incumbent At-Large Board of Education member and current Vice Chairman, per the district's official board page. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Dot Cherry.

Next on your ballotGaston County Board of Education Dallas Township

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Gaston County Board of Education At-Large in 2026?

When is the Gaston County Board of Education At-Large election in North Carolina?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Carolina are on the North Carolina election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Gaston County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Gaston County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Gaston County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Gaston County ballot

20 tracked races in Gaston County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Gaston County Board of Education Gastonia Township Gaston County Board of Education Riverbend Township Gaston County Board of Education South Point Township See all 20 Gaston County races

Candidate profiles

Brenda Eskridge, full profile Dot Cherry, full profile Official North Carolina election office